What are the responsibilities and job description for the Audience Research Analyst position at Nima Corporation?
LOCATION: Washington, DC – Telework may be approved but not guaranteed
CLIENT: Department of State – Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy, Research and Evaluation Unit (R/PPR/REU), Office of Communications (R/PPR/OCOM), and Expo (R/PPR/Expo)
EMPLOYMENT: Full-Time / Exempt
CLEARANCE: Top Secret with SCI eligibility required
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Nash Harbor Solutions is seeking a highly motivated Audience Research Analyst who will provide advanced qualitative and quantitative research support to the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Policy, Planning, and Resources for Public Diplomacy. In this role, the analyst designs and conducts audience research, develops integrated research approaches, and delivers data‑driven insights that inform public diplomacy programs and foreign policy objectives. The position requires strong social science research expertise, experience with survey design and sampling, proficiency in statistical and survey software, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable guidance for practitioners. This role supports a multidisciplinary, fast‑paced federal environment and requires the ability to manage long‑term projects, collaborate across teams, and provide training and technical assistance to field personnel.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Primary Duties: 1) Develop integrated audience research approaches to assist diplomacy practitioners in reaching the right foreign public audiences with the right messages and programs to advance U.S. foreign policy goals.; 2) Conduct formative research into audience needs and country context to guide the development of public diplomacy programs/campaigns and monitoring and evaluation of those programs/campaigns.; and, 3) Develop and deliver technical and professional support to field practitioners in the area of audience and opinion research.
- Survey sampling experience – Survey questionnaire design experience.
- Design and conduct qualitative and quantitative audience research including the use of nationally representative opinion polling, custom sample polling, focus groups, and interviews.
- Conduct high quality and reliable qualitative and quantitative data analysis and present findings to agency staff.
- Design rigorous sampling plans for both quantitative and qualitative data collection.
- Design survey questionnaires and interview protocols.
- Provides consultation to public diplomacy practitioners on how to design, manage, and use research, data, and evaluations to inform and improve programs that advance foreign policy objectives.
- Curates existing research from both USG and non-USG sources. Regularly presents research results to public diplomacy practitioners, academics, and other interested parties through both formal and informal presentations.
- Contributes to the development of training modules and courses for public diplomacy practitioners on core competencies related to the public diplomacy research.
- Conducts training for public diplomacy practitioners as part of a team.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Master’s Degree or PhD in a social science discipline or related field (e.g., communications, public policy, international relations, etc.).
- Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, with milestones occurring over one to two years.
- Survey sampling experience – Survey questionnaire design experience.
- Experience with traditional qualitative research methods, including but not limited to: focus group facilitation, content analysis, textual analysis, and network analysis, as well as familiarity with non-traditional techniques such as participatory evaluation, process mapping, and visual data analysis.
- Experience conducting research on one or more of the following topics: development, education, media effects, nation branding, strategic communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, networks, trust, public opinion, women’s empowerment, or youth.
- Experience conducting formative research into audience needs and country context to guide the development of public diplomacy programs/campaigns and monitoring and evaluation of those programs/campaigns.
- Ability to approach problems analytically and holistically, considering the individual problem and the impact on the larger system.
- Ability to work on complex projects within a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to work flexibly and efficiently in a rapidly changing environment, exercising a balance between research rigor and client needs.
- Demonstrated curiosity in continued learning and growth on the job.
- Openness to critique and feedback (including from other disciplines), curiosity to learn from a spectrum of perspectives, and experience or strong interest in collaborating closely with others.
- Ability to focus on and understand the needs of internal and external clients.
- Intermediate to Advanced experience with Statistical analysis software.
- Advanced experience in Microsoft Excel.
- Advanced experience with survey software such as Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey.
- A commitment to a culture of learning, curiosity, and open debate.
- A self-starter who is action-oriented and results-focused.
- A professional who is highly organized, detail oriented, and self-motivated.
- The ability to remain positive in high pressure and stressful situations.
- The ability to recognize challenging issues and solve problems proactively.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent will be exposed to normal demands associated with an office environment. Ability to work on a computer for long periods, and communicate with individuals by telephone, email, and face to face. This position requires the incumbent to have the ability to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust and focus.
About Us:
Nash Harbor Solutions (NHS) is a premier Alaska Native-owned IT services company dedicated to delivering top-tier contract services to the Government sector. Our team is driven by dynamic, results-oriented leaders who exemplify professionalism and maintain a steadfast commitment to a customer-focused approach in every engagement. NHS proudly offers a comprehensive benefits program, with flexible options that empower you to customize your selections to meet the unique needs of your family. At NHS, we excel at bridging the gap between government requirements and cutting-edge technology solutions, ensuring innovative and effective outcomes for our clients.
NHS is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination of any kind regarding race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, and other conditions of employment. **We are an E-Verify employer**
Salary : $130,000 - $135,000